Just this week I read a post written by Andrea at bleulune.typepad.com regarding a beautiful silk ribbon embroidered jacket she owns. In her post, she mentions that she tried doing silk ribbon embroidery in the past. One of the comments she received (in addition to one from me) was from Cindy at romantichome.blogspot.com. I read the blogs of these two girls regularly and they are listed as two of my favorites here on this blog. Through their posts, they have become two of my good friends, even though we have never met. If you haven't visited them.....please do so as they are wonderful!!!
Now, about that embroidered jacket! It got me to thinking about things I had made, so after reading Andrea's post, I decided to get out a piece I did some time ago and show it to you and also to Andrea and Cindy. I love doing silk ribbon embroidery...well, let's face it...I love doing embroidery period! Several years ago I designed this basket of flowers and decided to make it into a pillow with a beaded edge. Yes, I also love to add beads to my work whenever the mood hits.
The background fabric used here is a piece of damask that was in a sack of remnants I bought at the flea market. (You know how I love finding that kind of thing on my 'hunting trips.') The basket is woven onto the fabric first, followed by the stems, then the leaves, the feather stitch greenery, the tiniest flowers, the roses, the French Knots, the beads and then the bow. It has also been "touched" with a bit of glitter paint here and there. It was great fun to design!
The edge beading was done last and took the most time. You have to count every bead as you make the fringe, so it isn't quick, but I like tedious things, so it was fun to me.
I added a line from page 82, "Country Flowers of a Victorian Lady" by Fanny Robinson (1802-1872) just because I liked the "old-fashioned-ness" of it.
Also this past week, I have been reading about people trying to get beyond making "pretty" art work. I can see their point. But, me...well, I like pretty a whole lot, so as long as I can come up with something like this pillow...I'm not going to worry about getting beyond it. I intend to enjoy the process and, therefore, I will enjoy the product. It is what it is...I am what I am and there you have it.
So, Andrea and Cindy, thanks for keeping me entertained with your wonderful blogs. I hope you enjoy seeing these flowers as much as I enjoy everything you show me!! Pat
(My photos are not in the order I chose them to be - darn! But, you get the idea!)
14 comments:
Oh my gosh! That is soooooo beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. Maybe I will take some photos of mine (although they aren't as beautiful as yours)!
I used to be able to find beautiful hand dyed silk ribbon but I can't seem to find it anymore! I would love to make some more things! I really love the look of silk embroidery and it's fun to do!
Wow! That is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing it. I'm so in love with it.
Pat as usual your work is stunning. Do I understand you right - you made the edging? I've seen beading like that to buy but I've never seen anyone make it. I love embroidery but haven't tried silk ribbon though I'd love to take a class on it. I rarely think about adding beads but I'm going to remind myself of your work next time I'm working on a pillow and try to imagine how that might add to mine. Thanks so much for sharing this. Blessings, marlene
That SRE basket is an absolutely magnificent work of art!!! WOW! It's so beautiful! Love the detailed pics of the roses and beads. Thanks for showing it!
Pat your basket is simply amazing! Your work is breathtaking. Thank you so much for sharing it with us - Sharon
That is an AMAZING work of art. Every bit of it is pure perfection. The basket is very intriguing. Is it stitched and woven? Gorgeous!
To Gayle at sparklejars and any others wondering how I made the basket on this pillow...here is what I did. I simply drew an outline of the basket, made straight stitches going horizontally across in the yellow ribbon. Then using brown ribbon did the same thing going vertically except those straight stitches were woven through the yellow as I went down the basket. It's pretty simple but has big impact. Hope that helps! Pat
Its really pretty. Thank you for showing this. I have done ribbob embroidery before..I'd forgotten how gorgeous it is.
Sooo pretty! I would love to try ribbon embroidery, but it looks so complicated, your cushion really is splendid!
Rosie
Amazing. It's gorgeous you have a real talent
Wow Pat,
That is just beautiful. I have been collecting books and have all the supplies for ribbon embroidery. I dream of making a ribbon embroidered pincushion doll...Well, as it goes...
Your pillow is just amazzing thanks for sharing you work of art Pinkie
I keep coming back to look at your fabulous pictures. I hope that after eons of practice I am half as good as you.
Thank you for all your support in this endevour.
I have never done ribbon embroidery but when Andrea first posted about it I thought it would be a fun winter project. I've been looking around for instructions but haven't found much. Andrea said today that you wrote the book you sent her. Do you sell them or can you tell me where I could possible buy one? I love your work it is stunning!!
Your work is beautiful. I too love silk ribbon embroidery; however, it never got past/marked off my to-do list. Someday I still might get around to it.
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